Aka Island is the epitome of "small but mighty" -- it is the smallest of the Kerama Islands, yet proves to be the best by leaps and bounds. Its beaches are filled with sugar-white sand and blue-green waters, and are surrounded by green forests. But the biggest beauty lies beneath the surface. Aka Island is best known for its diving spots, with clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and mesmerizing marine life.
Nishihama Beach is the main beach on the island and boasts the most lively waters of the island. Bring your own snorkeling gear and explore the beauty within; here, you will find mesmerizing coral communities, schools of bluestripe snapper, and even pods of humpback whales. The whales can be seen from late December to early April -- be sure to book a whale-watching tour through the Zamami Whale Watching Association. Another way to see the whales is from a kayak atop the bright blue ocean waters. After a fun-filled beach day, head to La Toquee, Restaurant Marumiya, and Izakaya Santa, the top three restaurants in the area.
The best way to get to Aka Island is via ferry from Tomari Port, and there are two options: the high-speed ferry and the slower ferry. The high-speed ferry, Queen Zamimi, takes about 50 minutes and costs 5,970 yen round-trip, which is $59.14. The slower Ferry Zamami takes about 90 minutes and costs 4,090 yen round-trip, which is $40.52. We recommend the Ferry Zamimi, as the cost is cheaper and the journey is quite scenic. The best time to go is early June, as Aka Island gets the most crowded in July and August. If you love to snorkel and aim to see some sandy scenery that you've never seen before, Aka Island is definitely the place for you.
